Manistee County is known all over the world for its amazing fly fishing lakes, rivers and streams. So it’s fitting the International Fly Fishing Film Festival returns to Manistee on March 1-2. Presented by the Manistee County Tourism Authority and John Gouker Fly Fishing, this year’s festival at the Vogue Theatre includes seven short films by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, each showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing.
“Manistee County is a world-class fly fishing destination, annually hosting thousands of anglers from around the world in our streams, lakes and rivers,” said Sammie Lukaskiewicz, executive director for Manistee County Tourism Authority. “With the steelhead starting to run in March, that month will be a perfect time to host the film festival and show guests and locals alike everything Manistee County and fly fishing has to offer.
“The closest showing – and the only other viewing of the films in all of Michigan – is in Saginaw. So we look forward to hosting anyone who loves fly fishing and those interested in becoming an angler in Manistee in March,” she added.
Tickets to the film festival are $25 per person for all seven films, which will be presented consecutively and in less than two hours. All proceeds from film tickets will benefit the Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council and the Vogue Theatre. Tickets also include a popcorn and drink.
There will be two showings of the films:
· Showing 1: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1
· Showing 2: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 2
Tickets may be purchased at the door or online through the Vogue at www.visitmanisteecounty.
Among the films in the festival are Silent Spotter, exploring the extraordinary life of Tommy Batun, a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide in Xcalak, Mexico; Native Range, where friends explore the remote expanses of Utah in search of native cutthroat trout; Fishing Diaries, takes viewers to the breathtaking flats of the Seychelles in search of giant tarpon; Legacy, a story of the life and legacy of fly-fishing’s best-known couple, Barry and Cathy Beck; New Beginnings, fly-fishing legends Chico Fernandez and Dan Blanton tell untold stories from the past; Above the Clouds, follows five friends as they embark on a challenging journey into Colorado’s alpine; Time Will Tell, a testament to following a dream, this is the story of acclaimed artist Paul Puckett and his impact on the world of fly-fishing.
In addition to the films, guests will have a chance to win a guided fly fishing trip with John Gouker, and one of two fly fishing guide packs valued at more than $1,500 each.
